The National Air and Space Museum commemorates the history of flight and educates and inspires people through its collections, exhibitions, research, and programs related to aviation, space flight, and planetary studies.

Vest, Flying, United States Army Air Service, Lt. Lewis Webster

This flying vest was worn by Lt. Lewis Webster while participating on the aerial bombing test in the Chesapeake Bay in 1921. The 1st Provisional Air Brigade commanded by Gen. Billy Mitchell demonstrated the value of aircraft attacking surface warships. Webster piloted a Martin MB-10 and flew numerous strikes against submarines, destroyers, and most notability the U.S.S. Alabama. The back of the vest was signed by various members of the 1st Provisional Air Brigade.

Bequest from the Arthur L. Webster Estate

Physical Description:
United States Army Air Service (USAAS) pilot's flying vest; light tan exterior shell with a light brown linen lining; nine buttons down front; a winged American roundel insignia hand drawn in black, red, and blue ink; 62 names of members of the 1st Provisional Air Brigade printed and/or signed on the back of the vest.

This flying vest was worn by Lt. Lewis Webster while participating on the aerial bombing test in the Chesapeake Bay in 1921. The 1st Provisional Air Brigade commanded by Gen. Billy Mitchell demonstrated the value of aircraft attacking surface warships. Webster piloted a Martin MB-10 and flew numerous strikes against submarines, destroyers, and most notability the U.S.S. Alabama. The back of the vest was signed by various members of the 1st Provisional Air Brigade.

Bequest from the Arthur L. Webster Estate

Physical Description:
United States Army Air Service (USAAS) pilot's flying vest; light tan exterior shell with a light brown linen lining; nine buttons down front; a winged American roundel insignia hand drawn in black, red, and blue ink; 62 names of members of the 1st Provisional Air Brigade printed and/or signed on the back of the vest.

Country of Origin

United States

Type

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Flight Clothing

Materials

Exterior Shell: Leather

Lining: Linen

Dimensions

Clothing: 61 x 50.8 x 2.5cm (24 x 20 x 1 in.)

ID: A20100257000

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.